The 2026 Mitsubishi Pajero will roll off Thailand’s assembly line, unlocking a 0% import tax for Vietnam and promising fierce competition with the Land Cruiser Prado. Learn more now!
The next generation of Mitsubishi’s legendary off‑road SUV is finally emerging from the data pool of Australian vehicle registrations. The 2026 Mitsubishi Pajero will be assembled on the same production line in Thailand that currently builds the Triton pickup and the outgoing Pajero Sport.
Thai Assembly, Australian Proof
A vehicle registered in South Australia in March 2025 carries a VIN that begins with “MMA”, confirming its Thai origin. The registration lists the model as Mitsubishi Pajero—a clear signal that Mitsubishi is reviving the iconic badge rather than extending the Pajero Sport name.
Zero‑Import‑Tax Opportunity for Vietnam
Because the car will be built in an ASEAN member state, it qualifies for the preferential 0% import duty under the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), which remains in force through 2027. With a high local‑content rate already achieved on the Thai‑built Triton, the 2026 Pajero could reach the Vietnamese market at a highly competitive price, especially if manufacturers meet the local‑isation thresholds.
Powertrain Hints from the VIN
The eighth character of the VIN differs from the 2026 Triton, suggesting a new engine family. Analysts suspect a twin‑turbo 2.4‑litre diesel (code “4N16”) delivering around 150 kW and 470 Nm—similar to the power unit used in Mitsubishi’s current pickups. The change could also hint at a mild‑hybrid 48 V system or even a plug‑in hybrid variant, aligning with Vietnam’s upcoming tax incentives for hybrid vehicles starting in 2026.
Chassis and Architecture
Unlike the monocoque platform of the pre‑2021 Pajero, the new model is expected to adopt a ladder‑frame chassis shared with the Triton. This traditional body‑on‑frame layout reinforces its off‑road pedigree while simplifying production across the ASEAN region.
Road‑Testing and Global Roll‑Out
Recent test drives in Albury, New South Wales, show Mitsubishi fine‑tuning the SUV ahead of a worldwide launch. CEO Takao Kato confirmed at the Tokyo Auto Salon that a brand‑new, purpose‑built off‑roader is slated for 2026. Promotional videos on Mitsubishi Motors Australia’s YouTube channel suggest the first units will reach Australian dealers by the end of this year or early next.
Head‑to‑Head with the Land Cruiser Prado
Positioned a step above the current Pajero Sport, the 2026 Pajero aims squarely at Toyota’s Land Cruiser Prado. Vietnamese buyers will get a heritage‑rich SUV that blends robust off‑road capability with the pricing advantage of ASEAN‑origin manufacturing.
Stay tuned for official specifications, pricing, and the exact launch date as Mitsubishi prepares to re‑introduce one of the world’s most iconic 4×4s.